Applied Research

We explain what applied research is, its characteristics and uses. Also, how to do applied research, examples, advantages and disadvantages.

a team plans an investigation
Applied research seeks to solve specific problems. (Image: Jirapong Manustrong)

What is applied research?

Applied research It is one that is carried out with the objective of solving a specific problem. It is also known as practical or empirical research. Its purpose is to find solutions that can be implemented in different areas of life, such as health, education, industry, agriculture, technology or the economy, among others. Likewise, it is used for the development of products, methods and processes that have a direct impact on society or on a particular sector.

Unlike pure research, which is aimed at developing theoretical knowledge, applied research seeks to put general theories into practice. However, All applied research is based on prior knowledge developed by theoretical research.

Applied research often involves a multidisciplinary approach. Although it seeks to solve a specific problem, the approach may require a diverse perspective and knowledge developed by different disciplines. This allows for a deeper understanding of the problem and the creation of more innovative and effective solutions.

Origin of applied research: Applied research began to consolidate as a method since the Industrial Revolution. Over time, it became a key element of economic and social progress. Since the 20th century, both governments and companies began to invest in research and development laboratories (known as “R&D”). Today, applied research is fundamental in the creation of innovative technologies and solutions that directly impact everyday life.

Characteristics of applied research

Among the main characteristics of applied research are:

  • Search for solutions Its purpose is to solve specific problems that affect society, industry or a particular field.
  • Practical approach Generates knowledge that can be directly implemented in real situations.
  • Theoretical basis. It is based on knowledge developed by theoretical research and seeks to apply it to specific contexts to achieve concrete results.
  • Interdisciplinarity. Combines knowledge from multiple disciplines to approach problems from different perspectives.
  • Collaborative approach. It is often carried out in collaboration with governments, companies or other types of organizations that seek to obtain useful results in their areas of competence.
  • Measurable results. Its usefulness is measured by the impact it has in practice, whether because it achieves improvements in the efficiency of a process, in the creation of products or in the resolution of social problems.
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See also: Research

Types of applied research

There are different types of applied research, which differ in their methods and objectives. Among them are:

  • Evaluative research It focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of programs, products or policies. Its objective is to determine if an intervention met its goals and if resources were used efficiently. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze results and suggest improvements.
  • Research and Development (R&D) Its purpose is the creation of new products, processes or technologies. It includes a research phase to generate innovative ideas and a development phase to convert those ideas into concrete applications.
  • Action research It seeks to solve specific problems in a specific context. To do this, research methodologies are combined with intervention actions. Researchers work alongside participants to identify problems, implement solutions, and evaluate results.
  • Experimental research Explore how different factors influence a specific phenomenon. It involves the manipulation of variables in a controlled environment to study the effects of an intervention. This allows cause and effect relationships to be established with greater precision.

Uses of applied research

Applied research is used in different areas:

  • Technological research. It is dedicated to developing new technologies or improving existing ones. Use scientific knowledge to create tools, devices or processes that can be applied, in turn, in other areas, such as industry, medicine or computing.
  • Clinical research. It is one intended for the health field and is aimed at developing new treatments, medications or procedures. It includes clinical trials and studies dedicated to improving healthcare and public health.
  • Educational research It focuses on improving educational practices through the implementation of new teaching and evaluation methods. It applies already formulated theories about learning and pedagogy to improve the quality of education.
  • Industrial research It is intended to solve specific problems within the production and manufacturing processes. It may include creating new materials, optimizing work processes, or improving existing products.
  • Social research It seeks to apply theories and methods from the social sciences (such as sociology, psychology, and economics) to address social, economic, or political problems. It may include the evaluation of public policies, market studies or research on social behavior.
  • Environmental research It is aimed at finding solutions to problems in the natural environment, such as pollution, natural resource management or climate change. It seeks to develop sustainable solutions that can be implemented at a local, regional or global level.
  • Market research It is applied in the business field and focuses on market analysis, consumer behavior and marketing strategies. Its goal is to provide data and analysis that can improve business decision making.
  • Operational research. Its objective is to optimize the internal processes of certain organizations to improve efficiency and effectiveness in areas such as logistics, management or strategic planning. You can use mathematical models and data analysis to find solutions to complex problems.

How to do applied research?

The way to carry out applied research depends largely on the problem you want to solve. However, a general outline of steps that must be followed to carry out an investigation of this type can be established:

  1. Define the problem Identify the problem you seek to solve or the process you want to improve, as well as its degree of relevance.
  2. Review previous knowledge Investigate previous studies on the topic to understand the current state of knowledge.
  3. Set goals Define the specific objectives pursued by the research. Clear questions should be formulated to guide the study.
  4. Design the study. Choose an appropriate methodological approach depending on the nature of the problem and the objectives. Data collection methods, procedures, tools and the form of analysis must be defined.
  5. Collect data. Collect relevant data through established methods.
  6. Analyze data Examine collected data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships. Statistical techniques, qualitative analysis, or evaluation methods may be used, depending on the type of data and research objectives.
  7. Develop solutions. Design possible solutions or interventions based on the information obtained. Pilot tests can be carried out to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
  8. Implement solutions. Apply the solutions to the real context. It is important to create an implementation plan and take into account factors such as resources, training and support.
  9. Evaluate results Analyze the impact of the applied solution to verify if it meets the established objectives. Successes, areas for improvement and lessons learned must be evaluated.
  10. Document and disseminate results. Write a report that includes a description of the investigation, its process, its results and possible recommendations. Findings should be communicated to interested parties and the scientific community.
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See also: Research techniques

Advantages and disadvantages of applied research

Among the main advantages and disadvantages of applied research are:

Advantages Disadvantages
Purpose Solve specific and practical problems. Develops knowledge limited to a specific area of ​​application.
Approach It has a direct impact on society. It does not generate new knowledge or theories.
Theoretical framework Save time and resources by relying on previous research. Relying on previous research can limit originality and innovation.
Applicability Results can be implemented quickly. The study can be shallow or theoretically rigorous.
Interdisciplinary character Multiple perspectives and knowledge are integrated. Methodological or conceptual conflicts may arise between disciplines.
Collaboration of external actors Facilitates the transfer of results to practice. The interests of funders or collaborators can bias the results.
Cost and resources You can be more efficient in terms of resources and obtain financing oriented to the usefulness of your results. May require significant investments in technology or pilot testing to validate solutions.
Social and economic relevance Responds to real, urgent or priority needs. You may leave out needs that are not economically viable.

Examples of applied research

Applied research uses scientific and technological knowledge to address practical problems and improve various areas of everyday life, offering effective solutions in real contexts. Some examples of applied research may be:

  • Vaccine development When a virus emerges and causes an epidemic, applied research is developed with the goal of creating a vaccine. For this, researchers use molecular biology and genetic techniques, and perform preclinical tests on animals. Then, clinical trials are carried out on humans and the necessary approvals are obtained. Finally, the vaccine is implemented to control the epidemic.
  • Optimization of production processes. When a company wants to reduce costs and maintain or increase the quality of its products, applied research is carried out with the aim of improving the production process. Engineers and experts analyze the workflow, identify problems and apply continuous improvement techniques. By using new technologies and adjusting procedures, the plant can reduce production times and save costs.
  • Implementation of energy technology. When a community has limited access to energy sources, applied research is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines. To do this, a study is carried out, a pilot project is installed and its performance is analyzed. The community can then adopt these sustainable solutions and reduce their dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
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Differences between applied and pure research

Unlike applied research, pure research is that which is dedicated to developing and deepening knowledge theoretically and without the objective of solving a specific problem. This orientation entails a series of differences between both types of research, which can be summarized as follows:

Applied research Pure research
Aim Solve real problems in specific contexts. Deepen theoretical understanding of a phenomenon and generate new knowledge.
Approach Practical and oriented to the application of the results in a real context. Theoretical and oriented to the exploration of fundamental principles.
Use of knowledge Use existing knowledge to solve specific problems. Develops new knowledge and theories without considering immediate applications.
Impact It has a direct and immediate impact on the application context. Its impact may be long-term and less evident, but it is the theoretical basis of applied research.
Relationship with other disciplines Often combines knowledge from different disciplines to obtain different perspectives. It is usually carried out within a single discipline to deepen knowledge in a specific area.

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References

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  • Mora Ledesma, M and Sepúlveda, P. (1999). What is research? In Research methodology (pp. 97-108). Limusa.
  • Sabino, C. (1992). The research process. Panapo.